She delved into the world of mental health during graduate school and worked at USF's Florida Mental Health Institute (FMHI). She began as a research assistant for a National Adolescent and Child treatment study, traveling throughout the country administering the DISC and other psychological instruments. She then worked in FMHI's in-patient unit as a therapist, where she gleaned valuable clinical skills. Peggy later became the Director of Project Return, a community mental health program that empowers clients to build life skills and education. She also traveled extensively speaking for the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) and other organizations to reduce the stigma of mental illness. Peggy's final foray into the world of mental health was as the senior therapist for a large in-patient facility.

Returning from an international peace conference and meditation retreat in India, Peggy experienced an epiphany:

She had seen and treated such an abundance of mental health problems that the abnormal was becoming the normal.

It was time for a new approach.

Later Career

Armed with a passion for prevention and self-reliance, Peggy entered the world of health promotion, wellness and public health. As director of Pardee Hospital Health Education Center, she collaborated with other hospitals, colleges, universities and health care providers to increase the health and well-being of the community at large. She became the president of the American Heart Association. Peggy conducted thousands of programs on health and wellness throughout the area and nationally. While working at Pardee Hospital, she completed her Ph.D. in Nutrition and Holistic Health with a focus on psychoneuroimmunology from the American College of Holistic Nutrition. Peggy then created Self Mastery International, an organization committed to igniting human potential and empowerment, so individuals and organizations can co-create innovative, practical solutions to challenges in the workplace, namely communication and stress management. She has facilitated countless retreats, provided keynotes and seminars and executive/life coaching and counseling and wellness consulting. She is the author of Exploratory Surgery of the Soul, a Journey to Self Mastery and co-authored Maintaining Balance in an Unsteady World. She has produced meditation/relaxation CDs, a guided imagery DVD, and combines her expertise in psychology, health care, wellness and management consulting experience to better serve the needs of her clients, organizations and community.

Known for her enthusiasm and high energy, she creates an atmosphere where learning is fun and interactive as well as thought-provoking and life-transforming. Dr. Farmer has certifications in Emotional Intelligence, Intrinsic Health Coaching, Communication, Stress Management, Meditation, Reiki Master and multi-faceted approaches to wellness programming with WELCOA, the Wellness Council of America, and other wellness modalities. She is a member of the WELCOA faculty. She served as the Wellness Consultant for the University of the South, Sewanee, TN, for academic year 2014-15, co-creating a wellness program and peer health education training with students, faculty and staff. She recently worked with the North Coast Co-op in California assisting in the creation of an employee wellness program and providing wellness coaching, executive leadership training and staff development. Peggy provides seminars, keynotes and workshops on EQ, communication, team building, stress reduction and tailor-made programs to serve the needs of individuals and organizations. She has worked with non-profits, large corporations, small companies, colleges, universities, some of which include: